Title: How to Obtain Your Military ID Card: A Step-by-Step Guide
In order to access benefits and services provided by the military, every service member and their dependents must possess a valid military identification card. This small, yet powerful piece of plastic is not only proof of one’s affiliation with the armed forces but also grants access to various facilities, services, and privileges. If you are a new recruit, a recently discharged veteran, or a family member of a service member, obtaining your military ID card is a crucial step in accessing the benefits you are entitled to.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to obtain your military ID card, whether you are an active-duty service member, a veteran, a retiree, or a dependent.
Active-Duty Service Members:
For active-duty service members, obtaining a military ID card is a straightforward process that is usually handled by the military personnel office at your assigned base or installation. You will need to provide certain documents to prove your identity, such as a valid driver’s license, Social Security card, and any other documents requested by the personnel office. Additionally, you will need to complete Form DD-1172-2, Application for Department of Defense Common Access Card/Identification Card, which can be obtained from the personnel office or downloaded from the Department of Defense website.
Once you have submitted all required documents and forms, you will be issued a military ID card that will grant you access to various military facilities and services. It is important to keep your military ID card with you at all times, as it may be required for identification purposes when accessing certain benefits.
Veterans:
For veterans who have been honorably discharged from the military, obtaining a military ID card can be a bit more challenging, as not all veterans are eligible for one. However, in 2017, the Department of Defense announced that all honorably discharged veterans would be eligible to receive a Veteran ID card, which serves as proof of their military service and allows them to access certain benefits and services.
To obtain a Veteran ID card, veterans can apply online through the VA’s eBenefits portal. In order to qualify for a Veteran ID card, veterans must have served in the military for at least two years, have received an honorable discharge, and not be eligible for a military retirement pension. Once the application is approved, veterans will receive their Veteran ID card in the mail.
Retirees:
Retired service members are eligible to receive a retired military ID card, also known as a retiree ID card, which grants them access to various benefits and services, including healthcare, commissary privileges, and military exchanges. To obtain a retiree ID card, retirees must visit a military ID card issuance facility, such as a military installation or a Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) office.
Retirees will need to provide certain documents to prove their identity and eligibility for a retiree ID card, such as a valid driver’s license, Social Security card, military retirement orders, and any other documents requested by the ID card issuance facility. Once the necessary documents have been submitted, retirees will be issued a retiree ID card that will allow them to access the benefits they are entitled to.
Dependents:
Dependents of active-duty service members, retirees, and veterans are also eligible to receive military ID cards, which grant them access to various benefits and services. Dependents include spouses, children, and certain other family members of service members.
To obtain a dependent military ID card, dependents must visit a military ID card issuance facility with their sponsor, who is the service member or retiree they are dependent on. Dependents will need to provide certain documents to prove their relationship to the service member or retiree, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, and any other documents requested by the ID card issuance facility.
Once the necessary documents have been submitted, dependents will be issued a dependent military ID card that will allow them to access the benefits and services available to them as dependents of service members or retirees.
In conclusion, obtaining a military ID card is a crucial step in accessing the benefits and services available to service members, veterans, retirees, and their dependents. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that you have the necessary documentation and information to obtain your military ID card and enjoy the privileges that come with it. Remember to keep your military ID card safe and secure, as it is a valuable piece of identification that grants you access to a wide range of benefits and services.
